That pregnancy glows!” is a compliment women love to receive, after conceiving. However, women also have to face skin issues due to hormonal changes, which could be dark patches on the skin or stretch marks as the pregnancy progresses.
To begin with, it is not compulsory that every woman would have the same problems, as each pregnancy is unique. Some may look even more radiant but have hair complaints while others may continue looking just the same.
Chloasma or Melasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’:
Dark, irregular patches on the face, stimulated by pigment-producing cells of female sex hormones, produce more melanin when exposed to sunlight. In some, it develops because of having taken oral contraceptives prior to conceiving.
These patches usually fade away a few months after delivery.
In most cases, your doctor or skin specialist may prescribe a pregnancy-safe broad-spectrum sunscreen that you can use, to prevent patchiness. If patches do appear, ointments may be prescribed.
Stretch marks:
In the 3rd trimester, several women develop stretch marks on the breasts, upper thighs and abdomen. They fade away after some time but leave behind light-coloured scars.
READ: Tips to Manage the Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy
Other skin changes:
During pregnancy, some women’s skin colour changes to a shade darker. Others find that only the nipples and the areas around them become darkish. Women with birthmarks, moles and freckles also observe that these appear darker than before.
In a few cases, women develop a brownish line in the middle of the tummy, called ‘linea nigra’. Except for the nipples, the other changes fade over time and are all harmless.
In all pregnancies, hormonal changes are the reason behind these changes in skin, hair, emotions and moods. A good gynaec will handhold you through the journey while helping you manage the various transformations that you are going through. All you need to do is be with someone you can trust wholeheartedly and communicate comfortably.
